1 Year of Stitches

 I embarked on some stitching late last year actually and decided to casually do the One Year of Stitches challenge, but on my own terms. 
You can see more about the challenge at this link : http://www.brwnpaperbag.com/1-year-of-stitches-2017/


This piece which I call "Into the Blue" was my starting point in January/February this year.

It is my own design that just sort of grew.

It is a wonderful thing to do ... just building up designs stitch by stitch.  I have started another two larger pieces that I have permanently in my standing and lap hoops so I can pick them up whenever I feel like it.  And then there is the Blue Indigo Book project that I am working on as well, I'll show that to you later when I am a bit further on with it.  Threads are everywhere.

Is anyone else doing this challenge?

The Art of the Slow Stitch

 I love hand stitching. I love hand stitching with cotton, silk, handspun yarn (I spin wool as a hobby).  I wanted a little hand stitched pouch to carry my small hand stitch blocks with me.    I made this little double sided pouch.   My husband made me the little button to go with it. It has a slight camber to it and I love the feel of wooden buttons, even more when hand made by my husband.

I call this stitching "The Art of the Slow Stitch".  It is art.  It is slow. It is one of the most relaxing and thought provoking past times I can do with my two hands.   It is tactile and I can use naturally sourced fibers, hand made fabric.  The fabric is from http://www.the-stitching-project.com/  The fabric is beautiful, hand made cotton.  Gorgeous to stitch through, sturdy enough for a pouch and should last me many many years to come. 

I love the rippled effect that my stitching has created on the back. See the image at the bottom right.  Ah there is so much to learn about hand stitching and the best way I know how to learn is to do it. Have a go at it yourself.

Happy creating until next time ... Jane